The Indie Premier has opened game submissions for its inaugural hybrid showcase — a new event running July 2–5 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and simultaneously online. Developers have until midnight on June 10 to submit their games for consideration. The showcase is explicitly positioning itself as a platform for games that don’t fit neatly into existing categories, with a stated focus on unconventional work over commercially safe entries.
Selected games will participate in both the live in-person showcase and a dedicated Indie Premier Steam Event — giving accepted titles visibility in front of physical and digital audiences simultaneously. A panel of indie game figures and influencers will evaluate submissions across four award categories, with both physical trophies and digital award laurels on the line.
What The Indie Premier Is Looking For
The showcase has been specific about what it wants — and notably, it’s not the safe bet. The Indie Premier is actively scanning for games that push back against convention rather than replicate what’s already working. If your game resists a clean genre description, has a visual direction that makes people stop scrolling, or has something genuinely personal to say about how it was made or what it means, this is the showcase calling for it.
The Indie Premier Is Specifically Seeking
Awards — Four Categories
Submitted games compete across four award categories judged by a panel of prominent indie figures. Judge announcements are coming in the weeks ahead.
The Indie Premier Award Categories
Developers can submit at the link below. The Indie Premier runs July 2–5 in Pittsburgh and online, with Steam Event visibility for selected titles.